Seems like the 7-year-curse has struck again and yet another 2nd generation K-Pop girl group has left us.

The 4 members of SISTAR, who were especially known for their summer hits, are going separate ways since 23 May. A final album, “Lonely”, will be released on 31 May.

Their agency has issued the following statement:

“Hello, this is Starship Entertainment.

First, we want to thank all the fans who have cherished and loved SISTAR for the 7 years since they debuted. SISTAR will officially end their 7-year promotions as a group with their last album on May 31st. After our label and SISTAR talked for a long time, we have agreed to bring SISTAR to an end. SISTAR’s disbandment is a very disappointing and a painful thing, but we believe that it is the best to support the road that each member wants. We will be doing our best to support the members’ futures. SISTAR and the label thanks everyone once again for the large support we have received. Please show warm support and interest to the SISTAR members, who are standing at a new start in life.

Thank you.”

Hyorin (27 Korean age, second from the right) and Soyu (26, far left) have both had success with their musical solo releases whereas Dasom (25, far right) is probably going to venture further into acting. As for Bora (28, second from the left), her future projects are currently unknown.

The 5 members of popular Korean girl group 4minute have decided to part ways, thus disbanding after 7 years. The news came out at the beginning of the week.

4 of the members (Jihyun, Gayoon, Sohyun and Jiyoon) decided to not renew their contracts with their agency Cube Entertainment which were coming to an end during the month. Only Hyuna (far right on the above image) has renewed her contract, thus continuing doing activities under the Cube label. Undeniably the most popular member, Hyuna is also known for her solo releases as well as her works with the sub-unit Trouble Maker, whereas the other members are rumored to carry on their activities in the fields of acting, producing, singing respectively MCing under different agencies.

Good news for Cosplayers and fans of Korean cosmetics in Luxembourg alike!

According to reports, popular props- and armor-making material Worbla is now available at ‘Bastelkiste’ in Luxembourg-city. The craft store currently offers 3 versions of Worbla: black, transparent and the regular, brownish one.

Worbla is a thermoplastics brand that has become incredibly popular for cosplayers and crafters, especially when it comes to making armors. Worbla’s Finest Art, one of the sold materials, is usually heated with a heat gun or another crafting device that reaches sufficiently high temperatures. When heated, the shiny side becomes adhesive and can be molded, shaped and glued according to your will. The Worbla plate is then sanded and can be painted on afterwards.

On a skincare- and cosmetics-related note, make-up store ‘Sephora’ now sells certain lip balms and hand creams from Korean brand TONY MOLY, which is also popular among K-Pop singers. The lip balms coming in funny shapes like fruits and the other products have only been added to the ‘Sephora’ shelves this year and are now available in Luxembourg’s stores.

Shot at the store near the train station in Luxembourg-city, but they should available at the others too

2NE1’s agency YG Entertainment has announced on the 5th April that Minzy (Gong Minji) has left the group. The contracts of all the members are set to expire in May and so far, the 3 remaining (CL, Dara and Bom) girls have decided to stay with the company whereas Minzy’s contract is not going to be renewed.

CEO Yang Hyun-suk has moreover announced that the group will continue promoting as 3 and that no member is currently being sought in order to replace Minzy.

The girl group, originally composed of CL, Bom, Dara and Minzy, debuted in 2009 under YG Entertainment, the same label popular boy band BIG BANG is signed under. They have released 2 full albums as well as 2 mini-albums and were primarily known for their strong image and powerful live performances.

The group also has several major hits throughout its career, including “Fire”, “I Don’t Care”, “Can’t Nobody”, “Go Away”, “Lonely” and arguably their biggest success yet, “I Am The Best”.

2014 album “CRUSH” has been their last release, leading to hits such as “Come Back Home” and “Gotta Be You” as well as extensive touring, including concerts outside of Korea.

Their career took a toll during that year however when Bom got involved into an alleged “drug scandal”. Reports were released that 4 years prior to the news, the group’s main vocalist was accused of having smuggled drugs that, according to agency statements, had been prescribed back when she lived in the US, but are illegal in South Korea.

Since then, the group has been inactive as a whole, with the exception of a 2015 MAMA live stage. Leader CL is currently trying to grab a hold in the US whereas Dara has been involved into web dramas. Not much has been heard about Minzy thoughout this time.

Gong Minji debuted at age 16 (Korean age) as the main dancer, lead rapper and later on lead singer of the group. Although the most important vocal song parts were filled out by main vocalist and unique-tone-singer Bom, Minzy was still known among many fans as the member with the better vocal technique. Her vocals were thus used more throughout the later 2NE1 releases.

Fans have been reacting with overflowing support on social media, frequently showing understanding for the singer’s decision based on her lack of opportunities.

On the other hand, the member’s departure hasn’t been devoid of controversy. Shortly after the news, the father posted a cryptic message that has made fans questions the circumstances behind the leave. His post, mentioning the intention to hold “a press conference to release the truth”, has since then been deleted however and replaced with a new message, stating that “he doesn’t want to be misunderstood”.

Fans have been wondering whether Minzy’s departure wouldn’t shed light on other things as well. She is currently looking for a new agency, according to reports.